In verses 21-25 we see the Proverbs 31 woman is ALWAYS PREPARED. She does not fear if bad weather or something unexpected comes her way. Her children as well as herself are clothed and warm. What are some practical things that you can do in order to be prepared for what may come in the future? One thing that helps me is to calendar events. Now, I am very low tech, so I use a large kitchen calendar that I hang on my refridgerator, it helps me keep organized. But, in this age of Blackberries, iphones and Ipads…there are many ways and gadgets that you can use to keep up with events.
How to calendar
1. At the beginning of each year I get my old calendar out and compare it to my new calendar
2. Write down birthdays and anniversaries
3. Get the school calendar and mark off holidays and breaks
4. In order to be ready for the Christmas Holidays, I write at the beginning of November to start preparing or purchasing a family Christmas card. That way I am not caught off guard in December
5. At the beginning of each month I give myself a reminder of what birthday or anniversary cards or presents I need to purchase.
Just a little hint that you can use right now…one additional note that I have added to my calendar this year, is at the end of October. My daughter has just gotten into dress up, and I have made myself a note to purchase some Halloween costumes for her to use as dress up. I will do this a few days after Halloween this year when all the costumes go on sale at Wal-Mart and Target
In verse 26 we see the Proverbs 31 woman, SPEAKING WISDOM AND INSTRUCTION into the lives of those around her. This should encourage all of us to be pouring into another’s life. In Titus ( 2:3-5 ) we are given directions to invest in the lives of younger women.
Titus 2:3-5 (New International Version)
3Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.
In this passage we see how the older women should act. In turn these wiser women are able to guide the younger women in the way they should act towards their husbands, home, children and those around them.
We all have younger woman in our lives. It may be your daughter, some high school youth girls or a new mom that has just moved into your neighborhood. You can invest in this person’s life, by simply having a cup a coffee with them or being there for them when they may have a life question.
As we look towards the end of the chapter at verse 27, we see that a Proverbs 31 woman is always ACTIVELY PARTICIPATING in her world. She looks after all the ins and outs of her household. You keep the house clean, play dress up, do playdough, fingerpaint, prepare dinner and still look hot for your husband! Like my Me-Me says…A man works from sun to sun but a woman’s work is never done!! Because she is always doing something for her family or for someone else she doesn’t, “eat the bread of idleness” as the verse states. But remember…it is okay to sit down and watch Oprah with a cup of coffee during nap time!
Monday, October 11, 2010
Friday, October 8, 2010
Proverbs 31 woman: Post #4
So far we have seen that the Proverbs 31 woman gives validation to her husband and also provides for her family. Now let’s look at verses 17-19. In these verses we see that this amazing woman has DETERMINATON IN HER WORK. In all she does she does it to the best of her ability. Remember the scripture, “Do all things to the Glory of God… In everything you do in your house whether it is a changing a diaper, cleaning the kitchen for the 100th time or folding laundry, do each job as if you are doing it for the Lord. This verse helps me when I start getting frustrated with doing with the same daily tasks over and over again and feeling like the daily chores are never going to be accomplish. One thing that has helped me is to do one or two jobs each day, instead of doing every job on one day, I spread the load out. I pick one or two jobs to do on a certain day each week
Monday: Laundry, Make Grocery List, Clean Kitchen
Tuesday: Dust and Vacuum House, Go grocery shopping, because my daughter is in MMO and it is easier to go grocery shopping w/o my little helper!
Wednesday: Clean Bathrooms
Thursday: Vacuum and Mop house, Laundry day again
Friday: Dust blinds, baseboards and chairrailing
A resource that has helped me is a book, “More Hours In My Day” by Emilie Barnes. It has been a great book to help me get my life organized and not be overwhelmed with trying to keep a clean house….especially with a 21 month old running around! In the book it gives a plan to keep up with weekly chores, monthly chores and yearly chores. That way you don’t get five years down the road and think…when was the last time I cleaned the windows, or cleaned out that closet.
Finally what I do daily to make sure I do not get overwhelmed with the clutter and chaos of a household is that I TAKE 15. What does that mean?? At the end of each day I take 15 minutes after my daughter has gone to bed, to pick up the house and get things ready for the next morning. I make my list for the next day, make my daughters lunch-if it is an MMO day, lay out my clothes, pull out meat for dinner the next day, and most importantly, get the coffee pot set! That way when I wake up in the morning I feel like I am a little ahead of the game…at least for a little bit!
As we look on in the passage we look at verse 20 and see that the Proverbs 31 woman HAS COMPASSION ON THOSE IN NEED.
Verse 20 states that she opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. The New testament even talks about it in (Luke 12:48 , From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.) With all that this woman has to do in her life, she still takes time to help the needy. This can be done by taking can goods to the local food bank, donating baby clothes to a crisis pregnancy center or even just taking a meal to a sick friend. It is important to teach our children how to be generous because children do not know how to share…it is something that has to be taught. I can testify to that as the mother of an almost two year old, whose new favorite word is MINE!
Monday: Laundry, Make Grocery List, Clean Kitchen
Tuesday: Dust and Vacuum House, Go grocery shopping, because my daughter is in MMO and it is easier to go grocery shopping w/o my little helper!
Wednesday: Clean Bathrooms
Thursday: Vacuum and Mop house, Laundry day again
Friday: Dust blinds, baseboards and chairrailing
A resource that has helped me is a book, “More Hours In My Day” by Emilie Barnes. It has been a great book to help me get my life organized and not be overwhelmed with trying to keep a clean house….especially with a 21 month old running around! In the book it gives a plan to keep up with weekly chores, monthly chores and yearly chores. That way you don’t get five years down the road and think…when was the last time I cleaned the windows, or cleaned out that closet.
Finally what I do daily to make sure I do not get overwhelmed with the clutter and chaos of a household is that I TAKE 15. What does that mean?? At the end of each day I take 15 minutes after my daughter has gone to bed, to pick up the house and get things ready for the next morning. I make my list for the next day, make my daughters lunch-if it is an MMO day, lay out my clothes, pull out meat for dinner the next day, and most importantly, get the coffee pot set! That way when I wake up in the morning I feel like I am a little ahead of the game…at least for a little bit!
As we look on in the passage we look at verse 20 and see that the Proverbs 31 woman HAS COMPASSION ON THOSE IN NEED.
Verse 20 states that she opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. The New testament even talks about it in (Luke 12:48 , From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.) With all that this woman has to do in her life, she still takes time to help the needy. This can be done by taking can goods to the local food bank, donating baby clothes to a crisis pregnancy center or even just taking a meal to a sick friend. It is important to teach our children how to be generous because children do not know how to share…it is something that has to be taught. I can testify to that as the mother of an almost two year old, whose new favorite word is MINE!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Proverbs 31 Woman- Post #3
As we look at verses 10-12, (read passage) we see how the Proverbs 31 woman GIVES VALIDATION to her husband. Just like we as women need to feel love and accepted, men on the other hand thrive on respect. If we look at one of the most famously quoted scripture on the relationship between a husband and a wife, Ephesians 5: 22-28; We see a list of how each partner should conduct themselves in the marriage. But look closely. Lets read this passage of scripture together.
Ephesians 5:22-28
22Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. 23For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. 24Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.
25Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26to make her holy, cleansing[a] her by the washing with water through the word, 27and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.
In this passage we see that we are called to submit/respect our husband, but first our husbands are to love us and be willing to die for us…just like Christ gave His life for us. Makes submitting a little bit easier doesn’t it?
Now let’s take a look at verses 13-16 (read passage), we see in this passage of scripture that a Proverbs 31 woman MAKES PROVISIONS for her family. She provides food and adds to the finances of the family. We all have a skill whether you can sew cute clothes, pant portraits, do someone taxes or tutor a friend’s child. Even a stay at home moms, you and I can do a small job that can bring in finances into your family. But what if you feel overwhelmed with the day to day (like me), of keeping the house together and the kids at their places, you can add to your household finances, by being a budgeter and a couponer.
One thing that I do to both help with the finances and provide food for my family, is I do meal planning. I do know people that are better than me at this and can plan meals for a month, but it works better for me to stick to doing a week or two weeks at a time.
This is my routine that I try to use.
1. I buy the Sunday Paper
2. I look at www.southernsavers.com
3. Pull out coupons from the Sunday Paper
4. Get out my menu lists/recipe cards
5. Pick and choose recipes based on the specials at the store I like to shop…for me that is Kroger and look at the coupons
6. I plan my menus for dinners for that week or two weeks. I usually cook Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. We have left overs on Wednesday and Friday. Saturday and Sunday are flexible. Sometimes I cook, sometimes we go out.
7. For breakfasts and lunches, I use the coupons and weekly specials, “red tag sales, etc in order to save the most money
Ephesians 5:22-28
22Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. 23For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. 24Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.
25Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26to make her holy, cleansing[a] her by the washing with water through the word, 27and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.
In this passage we see that we are called to submit/respect our husband, but first our husbands are to love us and be willing to die for us…just like Christ gave His life for us. Makes submitting a little bit easier doesn’t it?
Now let’s take a look at verses 13-16 (read passage), we see in this passage of scripture that a Proverbs 31 woman MAKES PROVISIONS for her family. She provides food and adds to the finances of the family. We all have a skill whether you can sew cute clothes, pant portraits, do someone taxes or tutor a friend’s child. Even a stay at home moms, you and I can do a small job that can bring in finances into your family. But what if you feel overwhelmed with the day to day (like me), of keeping the house together and the kids at their places, you can add to your household finances, by being a budgeter and a couponer.
One thing that I do to both help with the finances and provide food for my family, is I do meal planning. I do know people that are better than me at this and can plan meals for a month, but it works better for me to stick to doing a week or two weeks at a time.
This is my routine that I try to use.
1. I buy the Sunday Paper
2. I look at www.southernsavers.com
3. Pull out coupons from the Sunday Paper
4. Get out my menu lists/recipe cards
5. Pick and choose recipes based on the specials at the store I like to shop…for me that is Kroger and look at the coupons
6. I plan my menus for dinners for that week or two weeks. I usually cook Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. We have left overs on Wednesday and Friday. Saturday and Sunday are flexible. Sometimes I cook, sometimes we go out.
7. For breakfasts and lunches, I use the coupons and weekly specials, “red tag sales, etc in order to save the most money
Monday, October 4, 2010
Proverbs 31 woman- Post #2
As we begin to take a look at Proverbs 31, it is important to know the background of the passage. Who wrote it and why did they write it?
The beautiful poem describing the virtuous, ideal women is found in the last chapter of the Old Testament book of Proverbs. The book of Proverbs is written my one of the most famous kings of Isreal, King Solomon. Even though the book of Proverbs was written by King Solomon, the poem describing the characteristics of a virtuous woman, was written by King Solomon’s mother. Now who was Solomon’s mother? Solomon’s mother was none other than one of the most scandalous women in the Bible, Bathsheba. Here is a little background information on Bathsheba. She was the second wife of King David. This is the same David that killed the giant Goliath with his slingshot, was best friends with Jonathan and soon took over the throne from Israel’s first king, Saul. David was a great king, called a man after God’s own heart, but he had a thing for the ladies! One evening David decided to take a walk on the roof of his castle. As he looked over all that he acquired, he looked down and saw a beautiful woman taking a bath. Being the king, he summoned the woman to come to his chambers that night…and back then you did not refuse the king. David did not care that this woman, Bathsheba was married, he wanted her. After he had his fun with her, he sent her out of his bed and back to her home. Long story short and you can read the story in its entirety in 2nd Samuel 11 and 12, Bathsheba becomes pregnant with a child, David has Bathsheba’s husband killed to conceal the affair, David marries Bathsheba, David is rebuked and disciplined by God, the baby of their union dies, they both grieve, Bathsheba become pregnant again and gives birth to Solomon. WHEW!
Solomon was one of the wisest and greatest kings of Israel. Yet, like his father before him, he also loved the ladies. As an adult he eventually had 400 wives and 800 concubines. Even though as an adult he made some poor choices it was not without instruction from his mother. Solomon’s mother, like any mother wanted better for her son then she had been given. She wanted to warn her son and give him a picture of the type of woman, she wanted for him. That is how Proverbs 31 came to be!
The beautiful poem describing the virtuous, ideal women is found in the last chapter of the Old Testament book of Proverbs. The book of Proverbs is written my one of the most famous kings of Isreal, King Solomon. Even though the book of Proverbs was written by King Solomon, the poem describing the characteristics of a virtuous woman, was written by King Solomon’s mother. Now who was Solomon’s mother? Solomon’s mother was none other than one of the most scandalous women in the Bible, Bathsheba. Here is a little background information on Bathsheba. She was the second wife of King David. This is the same David that killed the giant Goliath with his slingshot, was best friends with Jonathan and soon took over the throne from Israel’s first king, Saul. David was a great king, called a man after God’s own heart, but he had a thing for the ladies! One evening David decided to take a walk on the roof of his castle. As he looked over all that he acquired, he looked down and saw a beautiful woman taking a bath. Being the king, he summoned the woman to come to his chambers that night…and back then you did not refuse the king. David did not care that this woman, Bathsheba was married, he wanted her. After he had his fun with her, he sent her out of his bed and back to her home. Long story short and you can read the story in its entirety in 2nd Samuel 11 and 12, Bathsheba becomes pregnant with a child, David has Bathsheba’s husband killed to conceal the affair, David marries Bathsheba, David is rebuked and disciplined by God, the baby of their union dies, they both grieve, Bathsheba become pregnant again and gives birth to Solomon. WHEW!
Solomon was one of the wisest and greatest kings of Israel. Yet, like his father before him, he also loved the ladies. As an adult he eventually had 400 wives and 800 concubines. Even though as an adult he made some poor choices it was not without instruction from his mother. Solomon’s mother, like any mother wanted better for her son then she had been given. She wanted to warn her son and give him a picture of the type of woman, she wanted for him. That is how Proverbs 31 came to be!
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Proverbs 31 Woman-Post #1
For thousands of years, women in the church have looked to the Proverbs 31 woman as the ideal woman. Your mothers, grandmothers, your great grandmothers and so on and so where taught from an early age about the perfect woman, perfect wife perfect mother. What about today’s woman? What value can this ancient text be to the diverse, complex life-styles of women today? To the married, to the single to the young, to the old, to those working outside the home, and to the stay at home mom, it is more relevant then you may think!
As we begin to examine this seemingly perfect picture of womanhood, we do not find the stereotyped housewife occupied with dirty dishes and laundry, her daily life dictated by the demands of her husband and children. Nor do we see an overly ambitious, highly stressed, over hardened career woman who leaves her family to fend for themselves.
What we find instead is a dignified, strong, mult-talented, caring, amazing woman.
This woman has money to invest, servants to look after and real estate to manage. She is her husband’s partner, biggest cheerleader and helpmate. She has the business skills to buy and sell in the market place, but also has sensitively and compassion to care for and meet the needs of people who are less fortunate. She tackles every challenge that she may face with a cheerful and energetic attitude. Her family love and respect her for her kind, generous and caring nature.
But above all else she knows her value in Christ. She looks to Jesus Christ for all that she needs and wants. Proverbs 31 is written about a woman who is confident in SOMEONE other than herself. Here we find a woman who believes with all her heart that she is loved by a God who knows and cares for her. She depends on HIM and not on herself!
As we begin to examine this seemingly perfect picture of womanhood, we do not find the stereotyped housewife occupied with dirty dishes and laundry, her daily life dictated by the demands of her husband and children. Nor do we see an overly ambitious, highly stressed, over hardened career woman who leaves her family to fend for themselves.
What we find instead is a dignified, strong, mult-talented, caring, amazing woman.
This woman has money to invest, servants to look after and real estate to manage. She is her husband’s partner, biggest cheerleader and helpmate. She has the business skills to buy and sell in the market place, but also has sensitively and compassion to care for and meet the needs of people who are less fortunate. She tackles every challenge that she may face with a cheerful and energetic attitude. Her family love and respect her for her kind, generous and caring nature.
But above all else she knows her value in Christ. She looks to Jesus Christ for all that she needs and wants. Proverbs 31 is written about a woman who is confident in SOMEONE other than herself. Here we find a woman who believes with all her heart that she is loved by a God who knows and cares for her. She depends on HIM and not on herself!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
No Masks
Today at church I was again reminded why I love being around brand new Christians! As someone who has been a believer since I was eight and Baptist since birth I have the Christian lingo, mask, look, down! I know what to say, how to act and what to wear! My whole life I have been a people pleaser, especially, when it came to my relationship with the Lord. I always felt like if I showed my true self, somehow God would love me less. Which does not make much sense, because God is all knowing and all seeing! It took me along time, and had to endure some sadness and heartache in my life, in order to finally realize that God loves me, period...just the way I am. In being transparent, honest and open with the Lord, I have in turned tried to encourage other people to do the same.
Today I was reminded again that God desires that we all come to Him with transparency and realness. God already sees what is in our hearts and our thoughts...so why do we hide our true feelings. Today during Sunday School we were sharing about a time in our lives when we truely felt God's touch on our lives. One guy in the group shared about the time in him and his family life when they lost their son. He told about how his wife had given birth to twins...a little too early (my ears perked up at that), the little girl did really well but the little boy just wasn't strong enough. So instead of allowing him to suffer anymore, the Lord in His grace took the little boy, named Jack, home to Heaven. The dad said that at that moment he fell to his knees and cried out to the Lord. He told the Lord that he was really, "pisted" at him. At first it took me by surprised that this guy would use such a 4-letter word in church. But then I thought...well that is what he was really feeling! Did the Lord, cringe at the word the guy used as his time of need? No, the Lord reached down with grace and mercy and comforted him and his family.
So what about you? Are you willing to be honesst and transparent before the Lord. He desires that we come boldly to Him with the good, the bad and the ugliness of our lifes!
Today I was reminded again that God desires that we all come to Him with transparency and realness. God already sees what is in our hearts and our thoughts...so why do we hide our true feelings. Today during Sunday School we were sharing about a time in our lives when we truely felt God's touch on our lives. One guy in the group shared about the time in him and his family life when they lost their son. He told about how his wife had given birth to twins...a little too early (my ears perked up at that), the little girl did really well but the little boy just wasn't strong enough. So instead of allowing him to suffer anymore, the Lord in His grace took the little boy, named Jack, home to Heaven. The dad said that at that moment he fell to his knees and cried out to the Lord. He told the Lord that he was really, "pisted" at him. At first it took me by surprised that this guy would use such a 4-letter word in church. But then I thought...well that is what he was really feeling! Did the Lord, cringe at the word the guy used as his time of need? No, the Lord reached down with grace and mercy and comforted him and his family.
So what about you? Are you willing to be honesst and transparent before the Lord. He desires that we come boldly to Him with the good, the bad and the ugliness of our lifes!
Saturday, September 4, 2010
I am published!!!
Today I am officially a publically, published author. I have published things before in church bulletins, newsletters, and on my blog and facebook page. But this is my first time to be published by someone other then myself or my employer. Today, September 4th one of the articles I have written is the daily devotion (September 4th) at www.christiandevotions.us Take some time today and check it out! I hope that it will encourage you in your walk with the Lord.
Here is the article as seen on www.christiandevotions.us
Archives by Tag 'abbeycooler'
Put on Your Big Girl Britches – Abbey Medcalf Cooler
By Christian Devotions Editor - Last updated: Saturday, September 4, 2010
The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. Psalms 18:1-3
“I put on my big girl britches this morning!” I said as I bolted toward the nurse who attended my daughter. Due to some pregnancy complications, my precious, beautiful daughter was born ten weeks premature. At just two pounds and fourteen ounces, she spent the first eight weeks of her life in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
My tiny daughter lay in her incubator with all types and colors of tubes coming out of her little body. I sat by my daughter in her incubator, talking with her and praying over her, when a nurse came by and said it was time to change out her IVs.
“You don’t have to stay in the room while I do this,” said the nurse.
“I’m fine; I wore my big girl britches today!”
I had awoken early that morning to spend some time with the Lord before heading to the NICU. During my quiet time with the Lord, I opened my Bible and read Psalms 18. These verses tell of the comfort and strength we can receive by holding on and relying on the Lord. There are many difficult situations we may be forced to deal with in life and God may ask us to step-up our faith or to “put on our big girl britches.”
What can we do to grow our faith? We can start with prayer, reading scripture daily, attending church and developing Christian friendships. During times of challenge, the most important thing we can do is to hold to the Rock of our salvation…Jesus Christ our Lord.
With a slight giggle from the nurse…a deep breath from me… and a high pitched cry from my daughter, the nurse removed one IV and reinserted another into my brave, precious daughter’s arms.
Be brave. Let God lead you through the difficult times.
Abbey Medcalf Cooler is a dynamic and energetic speaker with a heart for women. She has a Masters of Arts in Christian Education from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Education from Gardner-Webb University. Abbey has served as the Associate Director of Elementary Ministries and as the Preschool and Children’s Director before moving on to teach sixth grade. She is currently residing in Acworth, Georgia and is a stay-at-home mom. Abbey is married to Adam and they have a daughter, Ava. Read Abbey’s devotions
Here is the article as seen on www.christiandevotions.us
Archives by Tag 'abbeycooler'
Put on Your Big Girl Britches – Abbey Medcalf Cooler
By Christian Devotions Editor - Last updated: Saturday, September 4, 2010
The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. Psalms 18:1-3
“I put on my big girl britches this morning!” I said as I bolted toward the nurse who attended my daughter. Due to some pregnancy complications, my precious, beautiful daughter was born ten weeks premature. At just two pounds and fourteen ounces, she spent the first eight weeks of her life in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
My tiny daughter lay in her incubator with all types and colors of tubes coming out of her little body. I sat by my daughter in her incubator, talking with her and praying over her, when a nurse came by and said it was time to change out her IVs.
“You don’t have to stay in the room while I do this,” said the nurse.
“I’m fine; I wore my big girl britches today!”
I had awoken early that morning to spend some time with the Lord before heading to the NICU. During my quiet time with the Lord, I opened my Bible and read Psalms 18. These verses tell of the comfort and strength we can receive by holding on and relying on the Lord. There are many difficult situations we may be forced to deal with in life and God may ask us to step-up our faith or to “put on our big girl britches.”
What can we do to grow our faith? We can start with prayer, reading scripture daily, attending church and developing Christian friendships. During times of challenge, the most important thing we can do is to hold to the Rock of our salvation…Jesus Christ our Lord.
With a slight giggle from the nurse…a deep breath from me… and a high pitched cry from my daughter, the nurse removed one IV and reinserted another into my brave, precious daughter’s arms.
Be brave. Let God lead you through the difficult times.
Abbey Medcalf Cooler is a dynamic and energetic speaker with a heart for women. She has a Masters of Arts in Christian Education from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Education from Gardner-Webb University. Abbey has served as the Associate Director of Elementary Ministries and as the Preschool and Children’s Director before moving on to teach sixth grade. She is currently residing in Acworth, Georgia and is a stay-at-home mom. Abbey is married to Adam and they have a daughter, Ava. Read Abbey’s devotions
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